Selena Gomez Just Announced on Instagram That She Had a Kidney Transplant

On Thursday morning, Selena Gomez made a huge announcement on her Instagram: She said she laid low over the summer because she'd undergone a kidney transplant due to her lupus, a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect many parts of the body.

The singer and actress said she'd received many questions about where she had been during the past few months, especially as she continued to release new music but didn't seem to be promoting it. "I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus and was recovering. It was what I needed to do for my overall health," she explained. "I honestly look forward to sharing with you, soon my journey through these past several months as I have always wanted to do with you. Until then I want to publicly thank my family and incredible team of doctors for everything they have done for me prior to and post-surgery."

Gomez saved the best thank you for last, praising her friend Francia Raisa for giving her a kidney. "There aren’t words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa. She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me," she wrote. "I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis."

Gomez also recommended that supporters check out the Lupus Research Alliance to learn more about the autoimmune condition. According to the alliance's website, scientists estimate that roughly 1.5 million Americans of all ages are living with the disease, which has no cure and can take months (and in some cases, years) to diagnose. While Gomez has known about her lupus for years, she didn't address it publicly until 2015, sharing that she'd undergone chemotherapy to manage her symptoms.